There's plenty to see and do at the estuary.
The estuary walkway provides beautiful views, and there are signs along the way providing information about some of the birds you might see.
There is a lot of interesting wildlife at the estuary. As well as birds, the estuary is also home to some interesting plants and is an important habitat for native fish.
The Manawatū Estuary Trust enjoys giving people the opportunity to learn more about this amazing environ
Photo credits, (thumbnail) Don and Betty Wood. (main) Jesse Bythell
Māori Musk Thyridia repens
Native. At risk-naturally uncommon.
This rare flowering species is found in estuaries around Aotearoa New Zealand. We are fortunate to have some in the Manawatū Estuary, but in a relatively inaccessible area which is no bad thing, Although the flower is distinctive, when not in flower the plant can resemble Maakoako.
It is a widespread, although uncommon species which seems to have suffered from the spread of several species of exotic reeds and grasses..
Flower colour varies between shades of purple but are sometimes much lighter, bordering almost to white. These distinctive blooms appear between November and May. but are relatively short-lived.